Tubular knob latch



Oct. 2,5, 1949. A ERKK|LA 2,486,268

TUBULAR xNoT LATCH Filed Feb. 7, 194e 4 sheets-sheet 1 INVENTOR 59Andrew Efz'Z'a ATTORNEY Oct. 25, 1949.. A. ERKKILA 2,486,268..

. TUBULAR KNOT LATCH Filed Feb. 7, 1946 Q FE'EQ 54 5 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 uEPZ.

. INVENTOR Andrew Effi/wia ATTORNEY Oct. 25, 1949. A. ERKKILA v2,486,268

TUBULAR KNO '11 LATCHy Filed Feb. '7, 1945 4 She'ets-Sheet 3 l INVENTORAndrew'. 'Ef/*ziale BY ATToRNEY l l,

Oct. 25,'/19491 A. ERKKILA l TUBULAR KNOT LATCH 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiledFeb. 7, 1946 INVENTOR 'Andrew Ef'iz'zz BY Y Patented Oct. 25, 1949Andrew Erkkila, Fitchburg, Mass.,

assignor to Independent Lock Company, Fitchburg, Mass., a corporation ofMassachusetts Application February 7,

1946, Serial No. 646,019

18 Claims. (Cl. 292-169) This invention relates to a tubular knob latch;more particularly to vknob button control locks and latches.

It is an object of my invention to provide a lock including a springprojected latch bolt which is spindle knob operated and includes pushbutton means on the knob for restraining the opposite knob fromactuation to retract the latch bolt.

Still more particularly, it is an object of my invention to provide alatching device which is knob spindle operated, including push buttonmeans for dogging the latch bolt against spindle operation by anexterior knob spindle.

'Still more particularly, it is an object of my invention to provide atubular latch characterized by one or more of the features involvingcompactness of assembly; rigidity of construction in employing a novelunitary spindle installation; push button operation of an interior knobspindle for dogging the latch bolt by exterior knob spindle operation;which is inertia-proof, i. e. the inertia of moving parts, as inswinging or slamming of the door, does not set the dogging means inoperation; in which dogging means for the knob spindle may not beaccidentally set into position characterized by resetting of the latchbolt clogging means when the latch bolt is retracted; the provision of atubular latch having push button dogging features which are readilyreset; the provision of a lock having bolt dogged by a spindle knob pushbutton in which a unitary spindle may be employed.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a tubular latch casingconstruction which may be economically produced and assembled, yet whichsatises al1 the requirements of unfailing performance and rigidity ofconstruction.

It is an object generally of my invention to provide al tubular latchwhich includes the features of dogging the latch bolt by spindle knobpush button actuation and which is compact in -construction and readilyinstalled.

To attain these objects and such further objects as may appear herein orbe hereinafter pointed out, I make reference to the accompanyingdrawings, forming a part hereof, in which Figure 1 is a perspective viewof my installation, shown in connection with a fragmentary portion of adoor;

Figure 2 is a section taken on the line 2 2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section taken on the line 3 3 of Figure 2, with the latchbolt in the projected position;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, with the a spring projectedlatch latch bolt and roll the latch bolt;

Figure 5 is a section taken on the line 5 5 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a section taken on the line 6 6 of Figure 2; 'i

Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of my latch bolt assembly shownin Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the latch bolt shank heel;

Figure 9 is a section taken on the line 9 9 of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a section taken on the line IIJ I0 of Figure 2,'

Figure 11 is a view corresponding to Figure 9, of another embodiment ofmy invention with the knob push button in the depressed position;

Figure I2 is a fragmentary section taken on the line |2 I2 of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional another embodiment of myinvention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a casing in accordance with stillanother embodiment of my invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a detail;v

Figure 16 is a perspective View of the dogging lever in accordance withanother embodiment of my invention;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary perspective View of still another embodimentof my invention.

Making reference to the drawings, I show a casing' I Il, of generallytubular-cross-section, arranged to be fitted within a boring II of adoor The casing comprises a section I3, which includes a rectangularportion I4, having a locking slot I 5 to receive the tongue I6 of thechannel back mechanism retracting View of Il formed on the innerlamination I8 of the end plate I9. In this construction,l the end plateI9 may be of brass and the inner lamination I8 4of iron. Screw holes 2Uto receive the attaching gure 1) are dened by material spun from thecomplemental drill hole 2l in the lamination I8 (Figure 3) and headedthereover to unite plate I9 and lamination I8.

Thechannel I'I 22, which bolt 22 and the heel 25. l

Rearwardly of the casing I 3,' a spindle hub yaperture 2l is formed byspinning the :flange 28 body of the plate I9, entering a therefrominwardly directed, to form a bearing, and an inner seat 29 for therollback hub hereinafter described.

Guide fingers 38-30 are positioned forwardly of the flange 28 and serveas an abutment for the.

and oriflced at heretofore dedisk 3|, formed with pivots 32, 32 33 toreceive the rollback hub scribed.

The dogging lever 34 is oriced at 35, at its medial portion. Thisorifice corresponds to the oriiice 28 to receive the rollback hubhereafter to be described.

The dogging lever 34 has its side flanges 36, 36 arranged to rock on thepivots 32 and is formed at its forward portion with a tongue 31, guidedbetween the guides 38, 38. The extremity of the tongue 31 is formed witha camming edge 38, and may include spaced ngers 39, 39 outlining adepressed lug 48. A lug 4| is struck up from the tongue 31, for purposeswhich will appear as this description proceeds.

The rearmost portion of the dogging lever 34 includes an extension arm412, bent laterally into a branch 43, carrying a camming edge 44. Theoutside spindle rollback hub 45 is thereupon positioned to be journaledin the bearing portion 28, centering the dogging lever 34. The flange 46carries the rollback camming arms 41, 41 between which there is formed aslotl 48, arranged to receive the lug 4| of the dogging lever.

With this assembly there is then provided the retractor link- 49comprising spaced branches 58, 50, having guides on their inner edges 5|arranged to span the extension 52 of the hub 45. Spaced pins 53, 53extend for a length to lie in the path of the rollback cams through eachface -of the branches 58, 58. The link 49 is formed with extensions 54,54 comprising bearing shoes entering into the slides 55, 55, at the edgeof the casing section I3. The link branches 58, 58 are headed in theplate 56, formed with a bearing edge 51 for engaging the guides 58, 58by inwardly indenting the metal of the casing section I3 to formlongitudinally directed, embossed protuberances.

The plate 56 is formed with a keyhole slot 59, having a restrictedentrance portion 68 which may span the slot or neck 6| of the shank 24.By spanning the neck 6| between the rearmost end of the spring 26, uponits compression the plate 56 may be made to span the cylindrical part ofthe shank 24 for slidable engagement thereupon. Upon the plate 56passingthrough the neck 6|, and a quarter turn being made expansion ofthe spring 26 will normally direct to the limit, to engage the heel 25as the limiting position, yet permitting independent movement of thelatch bolt head 22 `with respect to the link 49.

Under these conditions, the inside rollback and hub assembly 62 may nowbe placed in position. This latter hub has a seat 63 (see Figure 2)providing a bearing which may be journaled on the extension 52 of thehub 45. The hub 45 is formed with a keying orifice 64 of squarecross-section, to receive in keying engagement the knob spindlehereinafter to be described. The hub 62, however, is oriiiced at 65 toreceive and square spindle for free rotation in relation thereto.

The hub 62 is formed with a rollback cam 66, having shoulders 61, 61which may fall behind the pins 53, 53 on the upper face of the link 49.The assembly, in this condition, may have applied to it the casingsection 68. This is provided with inthe latch bolt 22 encircle theydentations 58, 58 as described in connection with the casing section I3,cooperating with the indentations 58 on the other casing to form a guidefor the plate 56.

The forward end of the square channel I1 is provided with an offsetfinger 69, cooperating with the slot 16 in the forward edge of thecasing section 68, to maintain 68 in alignment at the forward end, theedge 1I abutting the lamination |8 previously described.

The casing section 68 is likewise slotted with the slot for the shoes54, 54 on the link 58.

A boring 12, with an inwardly spun flange 13 provides a bearing for theextension 14', to maintain the hub 62 journalled therein for rotation.In this position, coiled springs 14, 14 are mounted upon the lugs 15, 15at the rear of the link 49 and the spacer 16 xed thereover, to have thelugs 11, 11 pressed therefrom nest over the opposite free ends of thecoiled spring 14. A cap 18 fits over the sleeve sections 19, 19 of thecasing I3 and 68, respectively, to hold the casing sections together. Anoffset friction finger 88 is cut out from the side wall of the cap 18,to fall into the seat 8| in the rear sleeve portion 19 and the casingsection I3, thus preventing displacement of the cap but being readilyremovable upon partial rotation to move the finger 88 from its positionentering the slot 8|. A

It will be observed that the dogging lever4 34 has its camming end 44accessible through the orifice 82, having an overhanging lip 83 on thecasing section 68.

The casing I3 is provided with a boring 84, making the arm 42 accessiblefor purposes which will appear as this description proceeds.

With a casing assembled as described, I provide an interior knobassembly 85 which` comprises a square knob spindle 86, which is directedthrough a sleeve 81 in a boring 88, within which the spindle may freelyrotate. A cross pin 89 passing transversely through the end 90 of thespindle bears against the shoulder 9| of the sleeve 81, permittingrotation but otherwise holding the spindle against displacement from thesleeve 81. The sleeve 81 is formed with lugs 92, 92, complemental to theslots 93, 93 of the hub 62 for rotation of the hub 62 in a manner whichwill hereinafter appear.

A knob 94 is axially orificed at 95 to receive a push button 96comprising a cup shaped member to seat within the same one end of acoiled spring 91. The opposite end of the coil 91 is housed over thehead 88 of the spindle 86. The push button 96 carries riveted thereto anelongated normally laterally flexed spring iinger 98, extending throughthe tubular shank 99 in the knob and entering into a slot |88, formed inthe neck |8| of the sleeve 81.

The shank 99 abuts a shoulder |82 on the sleeve 81, to hold the knob andsleeve 81 in the assembled limiting position. A set-screw |83 holds thesleeve and knob in assembled position. The free end of the nger 98 ismaintained in an upward tilting position by the leaf spring |84,anchored in the slot |88 and bearing against the latching nose |85. Ashoulder |66 on the shank oi the nose |85 restrains the escape of thepush button 98 by engagement of the said shoulder |86 with the rim ofthe shank 99. The push button 96 and its finger 98 are inwardlyslidable, to direct the nose |85 into engagement with the camming end 44of the dogging lever 84, entering through the orifice 82.

The latching nose is provided with a calnthe casing sections I3 and Iming edge 01 and a locking lip H18. The action in depressing the pushbutton serves first to de` press the latching nose H15 past the lug 83of the casing, to become depressed in the `slot |00, and thereafter tobe held in the depressed latched position by engagement of the lip 108with the lug 83. This thereby latches the push button in the depressedposition against the action of thev spring Sl to retract the arm 98.

For assembly of the latch in position, I first slip an inside escutcheonIGS over the shank 3S of the inside knob and then project the spindie 86through the huh S2 and into keying engagement with the square orifice 84of the hub 45, until the end oi the spindle passes through the boringHtl on the outside face In this position, the end of the spindle HI islcutcheon tional design to receive the square spindle Ill in. keyingengagement.

The operation of the dogging, lever within the tubular latch will now bedescribed.

Normally, the latch bolt 22 is spring projected and visindependently'depressible with its shank against the tension of thespring 26, as when the door is closed and the latch bolt strikes the andthereafter as it enters the usual strike plate orifice (not shown) thelatch bolt is again in the projected position.

In the normal position of the dogging memshown in inside knob, uponengaging the rollback 62, may retract the latch bolt 22 by engagement ofthe rollback Gli with the pins 53 on the front face of the link 5t.Thus, clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the inside knob willwithdraw the latch bolt. Operation of the outside knob obtained in thisoutside knob H to prevent retraction of the latch bolt, the push button96 is depressed. This action directs the latehing nose l-05 through theorice 82, where it engages the camming portion 44 and somewhat slidinglytilts the camming lever aboutthe pivots 32. This action in the normallyoriented position of the rollback 45 serves to direct the lug 4l intothe slot 48.

The tongue 3l, being positioned against rotation between the guides 30,thereby effectively dogs the rollback 45 against rotation. Detent meansmay be employed to maintain the dogging lever in the tripped position.

In the embodiment 7, a detent HS comprising a spring loaded ballinwardly projected position of the nose |05 likewise maintains thetripping lever in the dogged position.

As an occupant rotates the inside knob 94, the action is as follows: Theinside rollback 66 of the hub 62 being free to rotate on the dotted linein Figure 2, the

mentof the link 49 draws.

purposes the escutcheon H5 is provided with an aperture 84a., alignedopposite the aperture 84 of the casing, whereby some instrument or a keyoperated member may enter the casing to trip the clogging lever 34, fromthe position shown in full lines in Figure 2, to that shown in dottedlines in Figure 2. Likewise, should accidental operation of the pushbutton S5 occur t0. move the saine to the clogging position with thedoor ajar the heel 25 into engagement with the camming portion 4Q of thetongue 3l. This action accordingly resets the clogging lever 34, wherebyoutside knob rotation may be eliected.

While I have described iny connection with the embodiment of Figures 1to 10 a ging element actuating a spring 91, I may oper-n ate the doggingtrigger by a frictionally urged and positively returned camming nosewithout spring action in either movemen In Figure 1l, a knob sleeve 81is employed, as

. iillld warped outwardly engages the shank 99a of the knob, tofrictionally hold the push button and its actuating assembly ineitherthe dogging position or re-set position.

In still another embodiment of my invention, as illustratedy in Figure13, I may provide greater The clogging lever in this particular caseexadjacent the casing ends 19a, aty which point it contacts a curvedleaf detent spring H605, riveted push button dogon the capping plate16a. The plate 16a has tongues 11a entering into complemental orices inthe front and rear casing, acting as abutments for the springs 14a.Seatsl 11b retain the springs 14a against lateral displacement.

The fold of the branch 42a at its extreme point is provided with anembossing, bead-like construction I lla, cooperating with the detentspring lla to retain the dogging lever tripped in the dogged or undoggedposition.

The casing in this particular case is closed by a cap 18a formed withbayonet slots 80a engaging the extruded bosses Bla. In this embodiment aseparate pivot plate need not be employed but the sheet metal casing hasembossed thereon the protuberances 32a about which the dogging levertilts or rocks.

Another embodiment of my invention is illustrated in Figure 14 whereinone half of the casing |31) is shown. Longitudinal guides 58, 58 are ypressed inwardly or embossed in the sheet metal of the casing andterminate in embossings 30h, 30h, acting as abutments for the disks 31hcarrying the pivots 32h as in the prior embodiment. In all otherrespects, the casing segment l3b may be formed as in the priorembodiments.

In accordance with this embodiment, a detent spring lltb of generalL-shape has one branch attached to the sleeve sections 19D, serving tobear against a dogging trigger, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 16,cooperating with the bead Illa, thereof to restrain the lever 34a ineither of the tripped positions, i. e. dogging or freeing the rollbackhub 45a.

In all other respects, the function of the parts is in accordance withthe prior embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to l0.

In Figure 17 there is exemplified a form of latch bolt operation wherebythe latch bolt is positively dogged, as well as to dog the outside knoband the spindle controlled thereby. Here the latch bolt shank 24o isprovided with a heel portion 25e of rectangular contour, exposing anabutting end 25d.

In this embodiment, the dogging lever 34h is actuated as in the priorembodiments. However, the branch 31h terminates in a dogging finger 39h.This dogging finger is extended so that normally it lies outside of thepath of movement of the shank heel 25e as well as the plate 56. When thedogging lever 34h is tripped into dogging position, the dogging iinger39h lies in the path of the heel 25e to engage the abutting surface 25d.Under these circumstances, the possibility of jimmying or prying of thelatch bolt carried by the shank 24e to-the retracted position isminimized, although the automatic re-setting feature heretoforedescribed is not obtained in this form of construction.

The feature just described indicates the versatility of my constructionto obtain a tubular latch which may be employed to atch communicatingdoors, such as bathroom doors, as well as for exterior entrance doorswhich may require key operation for the exterior knob.

It will be observed that I have described a latch bolt assembly whichmay be made economically and by simple assembly means, satisfying allthe requirements of rigidity of con'- struction and positiveness ofoperation for its intended purpose, all combined with a push buttoncontrol located in the knob and employing, in its preferred form, aone-piece spindle, assuring simplicity of installation and long life inoperation.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a spring projected latch, a retractor, inside and outside hubs inaligned relationship, each independently operable upon said retractor, asingle spindle for said hubs, the outside hub being keyed to saidspindle, the inside hub having keying engagement with a knob journaledon said spindle.

2. In a spring projected latch, an inside and an outside hub operativelyconnected to retract the latch, a single spindle for said hubs, theoutside hub being keyed to said spindle, the inside hub having keyingengagement with a knob journaled on said spindle, means for dogging theoutside hub and operating means for said dogging means on said knobjournaled on said spindle.

3. In a spring projected latch, means for re- .tracting said latchcomprising aligned inside and outside hubs, each independently operableto retract said latch, a single spindle forsaid hubs, means for keyingthe outside hub to said spindle, means for journaling the inside knob onsaid spindle, means for operatively keying said inside knob to saidinside hub and dogging means for said outside hub operable on saidinside knob, said dogging means being movable to the released positionupon movement of said inside hub.

4. In a spring projected latch, a casing, aligned inside and outsidehubs journaled in said casing, a retractor operable by said hubs forsaid latch, a spindle keyed to said outside hub, a knob journaled onsaid spindle, having means keying the same to said inside hub, doggingmeans for said outside hub and means on said retractor for diS- engagingsaid dogging means upon actuation by said inside, hub.

5. In a lock having a spring projected latch bolt, a tubular casingtherefor, aligned inside and outside hubs independently operable toretract the latch bolt, spindle means for actuating said hubs, a dogginglever spanning said hubs pivoted in said casing, a tongue on saiddogging lever for engaging the outside hub, means on said inside hub forengaging an inside knob for actuation, said knob carrying means forcamming said dogging lever to dogging position.

6. In a lock having a spring projected latch bolt encased within asubstantially tubular casing, aligned inside and outside hubsindependently operable, journaled in said casing, each hub havingcamming means to retract the latch bolt, keying means on said outsidehub to receive a spindle for outside knob actuation of said hub, meanson said spindle cooperating with said inside hub for rotationallymounting said spindle with respect to said inside hub, a dogging leverspanning said hubs and tiltable with respect to the same, a doggingtongue on said dogging lever for engaging said outside hub and cammingmeans accessible to said inside knob and means carried thereby fortripping said dogging lever to the dogging position.

7. In a lock having a spring projected latch bolt encased within asubstantially tubular casing, aligned inside and outside hubsindependently operable, journaled in said casing, each hub havingcamming means to retract the latch bolt, keying means on said outsidehub to receive a spindle for outside knob actuation of said hub, meanson said spindle cooperating with said inside hub for rotationallymounting said spindle with respect to said inside hub, a, dogging leverspanning said hubs and tiltable with respect to the same, a doggingtongue on said dogging lever for engaging said outside hub and cammingmeans accessible to said inside knob and a plunger element carried bysaid knob for tripping said dogging lever to the dogging position, saidplunger being slidably mounted within said inside knob and a push buttonaxially disposed on said knob for the same.

8. In a lock having a spring projected latch bolt encased within asubstantially tubular casing, the combination comprising aligned insideand outside hubs -journaled in the casing and independently operable,guides in the casing, a retractor slidably mounted and bearing on saidguides, including spring means to urge the same to a normal position, acoupling between said retractor and said latch bolt whereby said latchbolt is depressible independently of said retractor,. means on saidoutside hub to receive the spindle in keying relationship, a dogginglever spanning said hub and tiltable with respect to the same, having adogging tongue, an inside knob having a shank journaled on said spindleincluding keying means for said inside hub, push button means having anextension finger for tripping said dogging lever to the doggingposition.

9. In a lock in accordance with claim 8 wherein said extension :lingeris provided with means to hold the same in the tripped position of saiddogging lever.

10. In a lock in accordance with claim 8 wherein said push button isspring retracted and the extension nger connected therewith includeslatching means to hold said push button in the depressed position.

ll. In a lock in accordance with claim 8 wherein said extension nger iscarried by an axially depressed spring retracted push button and saidcasing includes a latching lip to hold said linger in the depressedposition whereby, upon rotation of said inside knob, the latching lingeris released.

12. In a lock having a substantially tubular casing the combinationcomprising a spring projected latch bolt protruding through one endthereof, the other end whereof includes a headed shank operativelyconnected to a retractor, slidable on said shank in one direction forindependent depression of said latch bolt, inside and outside hubsjournaled in the casing, including camming iianges connected to saidretractor, a dogsaid hubs, tiltable trans- 14. In a lock in accordancewith claim 12,

' wherein said branch of said dogging lever includes a dogging fingerextended to lie in the path of the shank when the dogging lever is inthe dogging position, whereby also to dog the latch bolt.

15. In a lock having a substantially tubular casing, the combinationcomprising a spring projected latch bolt protruding through one endthereof, a retractor, inside and outside hubs in- 'cluding camming meansoperatively connected to said retractor for independently actuating saidretractor, a spindle for said outside hub extending through said insidehub, a dogging lever for said outside hub tiltable transversely of saidhubs and spanning the same, said lever having an exten l sion armaccessible through the casing for actuation, an actuating nger carriedby an inside knob the spindle for said hubs, said inside operativelyconnected to said inside hub whereby retraction of the latch bolt iseiected to restore said dogging means to the normal position uponrotation of the inside knob to withdraw said latch bolt.

16. In a tubular lock having a spring projected latch bolt protrudingthrough one opening of the casing and independently operable inside andoutside retractor hubs including push button means on the inside knobfor the inside hub, the

combination therewith of a dogging lever spanning said hubs includingextension arms, one of which dogs the outside hub and the other of whichincludes camming means for tilting the same to the dogging position.

17. In a lock in accordance with claim 16 wherein said dogging leverincludes a camming edge lying in the path of the latch bolt wherebyindependent depression of said latch bolt will trip the dogging lever tothe undogged position.

18. A lock in accordance with claim 16 wherein lever includes awithdrawal trip the dogging lever to the undogged position.

ANDREW ERKKILA. REFERENCES CITED The following references are of recordin the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Mar. 14, 1944 Certicate of CorrectionPatent No. 2,486,268 October 25, 1949 ANDREW ERKKILA It is herebycertied that errors appear in the above numbered patent requiringcorrection as follows:

In the heading to the drawings, Sheets 1 to 4 inclusive, line 2, forTUBULAR KNOT LATCH read TUB ULAR KNOB LATCH;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these correctionstherein th at the same may conform to the record of the case in thePatent Oflce.

Signed and sealed this 11th day of April, A. D. 1950.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents.

